Frances Tiafoe Aims to Harness Knicks Energy at US Open

Frances Tiafoe is seeking to channel the energy of the New York Knicks as he competes in the U.S. Open, aiming to become the first American to win a Grand Slam title since 2003. Tiafoe advanced to the third round after defeating Rei Sakamoto in three sets on Wednesday night, with celebrity Knicks fan Ben Stiller in attendance. Tiafoe acknowledged the presence of Knicks fans at the tournament and expressed his hope to draw from their positive energy, despite his allegiance to Washington, D.C. sports teams. "Hopefully I can go off that Knicks energy, even though I’m a huge DC Sports fan. That was nuts, man. What a run. Happy for them," Tiafoe stated. He also mentioned reaching out to Stiller to congratulate him on the Knicks' success. Tiafoe made a light-hearted prediction about the Washington Wizards, saying, "But Wizards will win the ‘ship next year, so it’s cool." He is among several American players expected to contend for a Grand Slam title and will face Valentin Vacherot in the third round, noting that he has not previously played against him. Tiafoe plans to prepare by reviewing match footage to familiarize himself with Vacherot's playing style.